Customs auction 20,500 litres of petrol in Lagos

The Nigeria Customs Service, through its "Operation Whirlwind," has auctioned 20,500 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) that were seized in Lagos. The operation successfully dismantled a smuggling network involved in the illegal exportation of fuel to neighboring countries.

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820 jerrycans of 25 litres each were intercepted, amounting to 20,500 litres. These seizures were made across key flashpoints, including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko, and Seme-Badagry.

Lucky Aliyu, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, explained that operatives intercepted 820 jerrycans, each containing 25 liters of PMS, across key smuggling hotspots including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko, and Seme-Badagry. In addition to the fuel, five vehicles used in the illicit trade were also impounded. The combined duty-paid value of the seized products and vehicles was estimated at N38 million.

Aliyu emphasized that the Customs Service is intensifying its efforts to combat smuggling and economic sabotage. This includes enhanced surveillance, intelligence gathering, and enforcement activities along identified routes for illegal fuel diversion. The seized PMS was destined for illegal export, directly violating national laws governing fuel distribution and movement.

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In addition to the seized petroleum products, five vehicles used in conveying the products were also intercepted. The combined duty-paid value of the seized PMS and the vehicles was estimated at N38m.

Petroleum smuggling is identified as a serious threat to Nigeria's economic stability and national security. It deprives the government of revenue, disrupts domestic supply chains, creates artificial scarcity, fuels criminal enterprises, and undermines reforms in the petroleum sector. The Customs Service reiterated its commitment to confronting these activities with unwavering determination.

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petroleum smuggling remains a serious threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and national security, adding that it deprives the government of critical revenue, distorts the domestic supply chain, encourages artificial scarcity, fuels criminal enterprises, and undermines the gains of ongoing reforms in the petroleum sector.

In adherence to legal provisions and a commitment to transparency, the seized PMS is being disposed of through a public auction. This process ensures the products are reintegrated into the legitimate domestic supply chain. The auction is being conducted with the participation of relevant government agencies, security personnel, civil society groups, and media representatives to guarantee transparency and accountability.

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In line with legal provisions and our commitment to transparency, accountability, and due process, the seized PMS is being disposed of through this public auction. This ensures that the products are reintegrated into the legitimate domestic supply chain rather than being diverted into illegal channels.